The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien is a powerful and poignant collection of interconnected stories about the Vietnam War and the personal reflections of an infantry platoon’s ordeals and experiences in the fight for freedom. It’s a Vietnam War story not about the larger forces at work, but about the emotions experienced by the men in the line of fire.

The novel’s title is based on the short story “The Things They Carried,” which is a list of items, both tangible and intangible, that the soldiers carry with them while at war. O’Brien explains the weight of these items and how they both help and hinder the men in battle. He portrays the physical burden of carrying rifles, shovels, flak jackets, grenades, and the other items, but O’Brien also reveals the psychological burdens they carry in the form of memories, guilt, and grief. Although “The Things They Carried” is a story in itself, it is also the namesake of the novel, which is a series of interrelated stories.

One of the most powerful stories included in O’Brien’s novel is “How To Tell A True War Story.” In this piece, O’Brien writes about the idea of truth in terms of war stories, suggesting that any war story is both true and not true at the same time. Ultimately, he says, war stories are stories of human nature and emotion, and cannot be judged by a simple set of objective criteria.

“The Lives of the Dead” is another memorable story from the collection. In it, O’Brien explores the theme of death and the fragility of life. The story’s narrator compares the differences between being killed in action and dying of natural causes, suggesting that those who die in battle are not forgotten, but live on in the memories of their comrades.

“Good Form” is one of the longest stories in O’Brien’s collection, and is an in-depth look at a typical night for an infantry platoon out in the jungle. In it, O’Brien describes the sense of constant vigilance and fear that the soldiers have, and how their training allows them to suppress their feelings of fear and face the enemy with a straight face.

The other stories in the collection further explore the emotional and psychological impact of war, and the realities of battle. “The Man I Killed,” tells of a soldier who has to live with the guilt of killing an enemy soldier in combat. “Ambush” contrasts the fantasy of war with its harsh reality. “Style” is a story of how two friends, Jack and Dave, cope with the chaotic nature of wartime.

The Things They Carried is an important work of American literature, and is often featured on high school and college reading lists. Tim O’Brien’s powerful and vivid writing creates a vivid and detailed portrait of war, and allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological struggles of those who served in Vietnam. O’Brien’s characters are complex and filled with emotion, and by examining the choices these characters make about their own lives, readers are able to gain an insight into their individual struggles. The Things They Carried is a powerful tribute to the brave soldiers who fought in Vietnam, and a powerful exploration of human nature.